Chris Jenkins, of the San Diego Union-Tribune, reports San Diego Chargers LB Shawne Merriman (knee) will decide how many snaps he can play in the team's season opener, according to defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell. "He looks good," said Cottrell. "I can't tell how many plays he's going to go. I hope he can go the whole game, but we're not going to ask that of him."

Jay Glazer, of FOXSports.com, reports the San Diego Chargers appear to be leaning towards San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Norv Turner as their next head coach. The Chargers are talking to Turner as if they are looking to hire him. Sources say Turner is leaning toward hiring former defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell to run the team's defense. Cottrell worked in the league office this past season. Chargers general manager A.J. Smith had talks with Turner late Sunday, Feb. 18, and even talked contract figures with him.

Don Seeholzer, of the Pioneer Press, reports former Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell was at the NFL offices in New York Thursday, June 1, to interview for a job as the league's vice president of football operations and development. Cottrell said league officials didn't set a timetable for filling the position, which opened when Art Shell left to become head coach of the Oakland Raiders.

Jason Cole, writing for NBCSports.com, reports the Fritz Pollard Alliance, who monitors minority hiring, is watching Oakland Raiders head coach Art Shell's former position with the NFL, senior vice president of football operations and development. The Pollard group has received assurances Houston Texans general manager Charley Casserly is not already designated the position. The group wants Hall of Fame LB Willie Lanier and former NFL assistant coach Ted Cottrell to get a look.

Don Seeholzer, of the Pioneer Press, reports former NFL defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell is still hopeful of landing an NFL job. Cottrell, 58, filed retirement papers with the NFL in February, but he hasn't given up hope of catching on with another team. "I'm not retired," he said. "That was just to make sure I had some money coming in come August. I still want to work for a few more years." Cottrell said he has no real leads at this time but remains hopeful. "Something may happen during training camp where some team decides it needs some help," he said.

Don Seeholzer, of the Pioneer Press, reports former Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell revealed Monday, Feb. 13, that he has filed retirement papers with the NFL. "I don't want to retire," Cottrell, 58, said. "I'm being forced into retirement." Cottrell has been unable to land a job with an NFL team, despite 10 head coaching changes. "It's been a bizarre year," Cottrell said. "All these openings but no jobs. I've called some people and it's the same old story. 'We'll let you know if anything opens up.'"